Subaru Warns 48,500 Near-New Cars Could Lose Steering

Subaru ordered its dealers to stop selling two key models Thursday because of a defect that could result in the loss of steering.

The Japanese automaker says it is recalling 48,500 new and near new cars because drivers potentially could lose control if they have the defect. Of those, about 22,000 are in customer's hands, says spokesman Michael McHale.

The recall involves 2016 and 2017 Legacy and Outbacks, which now need to be checked by mechanics to see if they have the glitch that occurred during manufacturing.

The company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the machining in the creation of the steering columns may not have been done properly because of an incorrect setting on the tool used to make them. The defective shafts may allow the steering wheel to rotate freely. Under that condition, Subaru says in the filing that drivers won't be able to steer the car. Having lost control, the car could crash.

The defect was discovered when the owner of a 2016 Outback had their vehicle towed to a dealership.